"To us, volunteering is a two-way thing. It’s not just about the hands-on help and skills that volunteers bring; it’s also about what this amazing continent, its people and its wildlife can give those volunteers in return." Greg Bows, MD

"To volunteer is to learn, to enjoy, to experience. To be excited, exhilarated and to explore a sense of awe and wonder. If it does all this for you, just imagine what you can do for others." ~ Sophie, UK

The Academy

At African Impact we value our passionate and most dedicated volunteers, which is why many of them have been offered an opportunity to extend their stay and make a further impact on project!

Select volunteers, who have proven their levels of drive, commitment, and who can be role models for others and show a high level of responsibility may be invited to join our project team as a Volunteer Coordinator. In this role you’ll gain some fantastic experience and develop your skills, while we cover your board and lodging costs!

What can I expect to do as a Volunteer Coordinator?

As a volunteer coordinator you will be responsible for supporting the volunteers at the projects by making sure they make the most of their time and are equipped with the knowledge of what to do and why they’re doing it. You’ll also be involved in creating a fun and lively environment for volunteers on the ground.

How do I apply?

If you’re interested in joining The Academy and have a chance to join our enthusiastic and dynamic team, with the possibility of a longer term post on an African Impact project please inform your Destinations Manager when you book your trip.

A placement might be available directly after you have volunteered or at a later time altogether.

A place in the Academy is completely down to the discretion of the Manager of the projects and is only run at the following locations:

Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa

Livingstone, Zambia

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Antelope Park, Zimbabwe

Kenya

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Moshi, Kilimanjaro

Chimfunshi, Zambia

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be paid a salary? No, joining the Academy is on a voluntary basis and therefore unsalaried.

What costs are covered? African Impact will cover the cost of your accommodation, project transport and meals.

When will I know if there is a place available?During your stay your Project Manager will discuss with you the possibility of joining the Academy either straight after your stay or to return at a later date. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee there will be a place.

How long can I stay on for? This will be dependent on availability, visa restrictions etc. A typical stay in The Academy will be from 1 to 3 months.

Will there be other people in the Academy?It is unlikely there will be an opportunity to have more than one person in the Academy at any one location, but don’t worry, you won’t be working all alone; you’ll be fully integrated into our project team on the ground and become a member of staff.

Where will I stay?You will stay in the volunteer accommodation and may share a room with other volunteers, staff or interns.

How old do I need to be? Although there is no age limit for the AI Academy, a successful candidate would be able to confidently interact and relate to other volunteers of all ages, nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. A level of maturity and responsibility is also required.

What previous academy alumni had to say

“My dream was always to go to Africa and see the animals, in particular, the lions. I signed up for the lion conservation project at Antelope Park in Zimbabwe and spent four weeks having amazing interactions with the lions, not only walking with them but feeding them, cleaning the enclosures, helping with the elephants and horses - this was my first time in Africa and in some small way it captured my heart and I knew that this would not be my last trip to this amazing continent.

After returning home I re-booked immediately to go back for a further two months in Feb 2011 and later secured the roles of Project Coordinator in April 2011 and Project Manager from January 2012 for the research project at Thanda Private Game Reserve. To say that I loved my job would be an understatement - it was a privilege to work in an amazing environment with amazing people who shared a common goal.” ~ Amanda Warren, United Kingdom

“I volunteered in Zanzibar in November 2009, worked on the St Lucia project in 2011 and have been at the head office in Cape Town since 2012. Volunteering with African Impact changed my life! Bold statement but it’s the truth. I spent a few weeks working alongside a passionate and dedicated team in Zanzibar, sharing my knowledge and experience with the students of the tourism training institute and assisting the teachers in one of the local pre-schools helping the children with their English. When my trip came to an end I knew that I didn’t want it to be the end of my time with African Impact.

I volunteered in the UK and helped AI with a number of road shows and open evenings; when an opportunity came up to work on one of the projects I knew this was the start of a new African adventure. I began my time in St Lucia, South Africa in January 2011 and have never looked back. I immersed myself in the Zulu culture and rode the wave of challenges and achievements for twelve months. To be part of the AI team means that you are in the privileged position of seeing all the volunteers achievements turn into the project’s long term goals.” ~ Michelle Lindsay, United Kingdom